EPA Kicks Off $250M Mold Cleanup Program: Prioritizes Low-Income Housing and Sets National Standards

The “Fix Moldy Housing Act” is a major attempt to tackle indoor mold issues, focusing on getting reliable data, setting best practices, and funding cleanup, especially in vulnerable communities. This isn't just about public health; it’s about housing equity and making sure the folks who can least afford repairs aren't stuck dealing with toxic living conditions.

The Science First: One-Year Mold Study

Before anyone starts cleaning, this bill hits the pause button for one year to figure out the science. Section 2 directs the EPA to partner with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study. The goal? To nail down the specific conditions that actually warrant professional mold assessment and remediation, and to identify the safest, most effective ways to do the job. Think of it as creating the definitive industry playbook. Within two years of the bill passing, the EPA must then use these findings to publish national guidelines (Section 3). These won't be mandatory federal rules, but they will be the official, evidence-based recommendations for how states and contractors should handle mold contamination levels and cleanup protocols.

The $250 Million Cleanup Fund

The real money is in Sections 4 and 5, which authorize a massive federal grant program—$50 million authorized annually for five years (2026–2030), totaling $250 million. This money goes straight to State and Tribal governments to help them deal with mold problems. The funds are split into two main buckets:

1. Professionalizing the Industry: Section 4 provides grants specifically to help states and tribes create or run licensing programs for mold assessors and remediators. This is a big deal for quality control. It means if you hire someone to deal with mold, they’ll hopefully be trained and licensed according to a set standard, reducing the risk of shoddy or unsafe work.

2. Funding the Fix: Section 5 grants cover the actual cost of assessment and cleanup in public buildings (like schools and public housing) and private homes. When prioritizing who gets this money, the EPA must heavily favor applicants who will use the funds to help low-income households or communities. In fact, the bill explicitly forbids using these federal dollars to clean up homes occupied by “high-income households,” as defined by the EPA. This provision ensures the funds target the people who lack the financial means to handle costly mold remediation themselves.

Real-World Impact: Who Benefits and Who Pays?

For a family renting or owning a home in a low-income area, this bill could be life-changing. If their home is severely impacted by mold and they lack insurance, the grant money can cover the cleanup and even provide up to six months of temporary housing and moving costs while the work is done. This is the bill’s critical safety net, preventing mold from forcing low-income families out onto the street (Section 5).

However, there are a couple of catches for the state and tribal governments administering the program. First, they must agree to set up a mold professional licensing program to receive the cleanup grants. Second, the federal government only covers 60% of the costs; the state or tribe has to come up with the remaining 40% matching funds. For smaller or less financially robust jurisdictions, finding that 40% match could be a significant hurdle, potentially limiting their ability to access the federal aid they need.

Finally, the funds are earmarked: at least 20% must go to public buildings (schools, public housing), and at least 20% must go to private residential properties. This guarantees that both public infrastructure and private homes get attention, making the “Fix Moldy Housing Act” a comprehensive approach to tackling a widespread, often hidden, public health issue.